MI6’s outgoing chief, Richard Moore, chose his valedictory speech in Istanbul to warn of the new threats facing both British and international security. He specifically highlighted threats from Iran and Russia. As a result, he said recruiting more spies is crucial to ramping up support for Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion. Moore’s comments were notable as he is about to leave his position, known inside the agency as “C.”
In his speech, Moore kicked off a recruitment campaign to sign up people inside Russia and abroad. He positioned this push as essential for protecting Britain and its allies amid Russia’s war in Ukraine. Moore noted that MI6 recently rolled out a secure messaging program called Silent Courier. This online avenue gives interested prospects the opportunity to quietly engage with the agency.
Moore was unwavering in his stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin. His claim, widely shared, is that Putin seeks to impose the narrative of an unavoidable victory. Putin has tried to project the image that Russian victory is a foregone conclusion, and he’s not just wrong—he’s lying. He lies to the world. He lies to his people. Maybe he even lies to himself,” Moore said.
He further encouraged those in Russia who may oppose the Kremlin’s narratives, emphasizing, “To those men and women in Russia who have truths to share and the courage to share them, I invite you to contact MI6. You will be working to bring peace to our continent, to protect the long-term interests and redeem the honour of your country.”
Intentionally, President Biden chose the city of Istanbul as the venue for his speech. It has turned the city into a hot spot for Russian tourists, further expanding the possible recruit pool. Because of its closeness to Ukraine, it is an apt symbolic place to address the war and its impact on Europe.
Moore expressed skepticism about Russia’s chances of success on the battlefield, stating that the war has already resulted in over a million casualties, with a significant portion comprising “poorly trained troops from Russia’s poorest regions” sent into combat without adequate preparation. He contended that such a reality goes against everything Putin says about his own strength.
The outgoing spy chief pointed out that various countries, including Iran, China, and North Korea, have provided support to Russia during this conflict. This trilateral alliance creates additional obstacles for Western countries trying to push back on Russian aggression.
Moore recognized the courage of those Russians who oppose the regime. He highlighted figures like Alexei Navalny, who openly oppose Putin and risk their lives for their beliefs. He was admitting that most of the dangerous work of resistance is being done in secret by allying with MI6.
Moore ended his remarks by looking beyond the immediate conflict. He called on his Western allies to remain resolute in their support. “In the end, if we hold our nerve, Putin will need to come to terms with the fact that he has a choice to risk an economic and political crisis that threatens his own rule or make a sensible deal,” he stated.
Richard Moore is preparing to depart his post at MI6. His drive to recruit others helps galvanize people to join and defend the cause of international security at this pivotal moment in geopolitical history. The agency takes its mission of responding to the urgent threats that we face to heart. It aims to promote medium- to long-term stability in an increasingly difficult global environment.